Dear Brother Charley I take the present opportunity to pen a few lines to you

New Orleans
Nov 18th [18]64
Dear Brother Charley
I take the presant opportunity to pen a few lines to you.  I am sick in the hospital and suffring a goodele with the Chronick dieree [diarrhea][.] O how I wish I was at home to sholder [shoulder] my ax and go to the woods with you to cutt wood and see you ketch the squrells.  I had mutch rather be swinging the ax than here in the hospital for all I uesto [used to] think it was heard work but I think I could enjou [enjoy] myself to work now – well Charley you must be a good boy and help out all you can for I think we must have a heard time to do all the work[.]

Mother
I have not reseived but 3 letters from you for over 12 weeks ago yesterday.  I shall not write untill I hear from you + you agreede to tell me all about the draft and send me a paper but have not reseived eny[.]  You neede not expect to hear from me eny oftener than I do from you we have not ben paid yet and I have not had eny money for 3 months and I have not got eny postage stamps.  I have ben trying to get a fulough but have not succeded yet but I hope I may for I do not expect to be cured of this dieree here[.]  I wish you would write me all about the election and if there was mutch quarling on that day.  I hope that you are all well at home altho I am suffering a goodele at presant[.]  my love to all the children.  Tell hary and Charley to be good boys.  I wish I could see you all but I supose I shall have to wait a while[.]  from your Brother
J.R.S.